ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON
RACING AND WAGERING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Currently, nine racetracks in New York State have corresponding racinos with video lottery gaming. In 2004, the Saratoga Harness Track was the first racetrack to open and operate a racino. The newest racino, Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, New York City, opened in October 2011 and since its inception, has generated over $650 million in net revenues. Video lottery gaming at these nine racetracks has been a tremendous source of revenue for New York State, its racing industry and other industries within the State. In addition to supporting New York's racing industry, revenue generated from video lottery terminals (VLTs) has provided valuable resources to New York's education system, agriculture industry, breeding funds, and purses. This hearing will examine the economic impact of VLT revenue in New York State.
Any persons invited to testify or wishing to present pertinent written testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form by December 7, 2012. It is important that the enclosed reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.
Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.
Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.
In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.
J. Gary Pretlow
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Racing and Wagering